Page 60 of The Commons

Oh, he knows about Patron Brik. “Is he alive?”

“I think so.” He smiles. That’s a suspicious smile.

Oh gosh, that’s scary. “Um, I won’t date anyone. I don’t plan to date anyone. I don’t like anyone. I don’t even, um…”

“Good.”

I gulp, my eyes darting up to his. “I could ask you the same question! Are you seeing anyon⁠—”

“I thought we agreed, no questions.”

“You commanded. I simply obeyed—sometimes.” I flash him a smile.

He smirks, his golden gaze gliding across me. “Sure… And who commanded you to straighten your hair that you dared obey?”

“Are you annoyed that I straightened my hair, or that I took instructions from someone who is not you?”

“The latter. Plus, I’m not annoyed. You look incandescent either way. So who was it? Suzandrick?”

I exhale, somehow remembering the point of this derailment. But he said I look incandescent. Gosh, Shantavia. Focus.

“No, it wasn’t her. At least I don’t think so.”

“Then who was it? Because you do not look so happy about it?” He steps closer.

I take a deep breath in, then spit out the truth. “The Patron De Londe.” I stare at him, eager to see his response.

“The Patron De Londe talked to you? Alone? In private?” He backs away from me.

I nod, trying to read his puzzled face.

“Oh my God,” he exclaims, lost in thoughts.

“What? What’s wrong?”

“I have to go right now.”

“Why? What’s wrong?”

He starts to leave, then turns back and points his finger toward me, to warn me. “And from now on, we don’t know each other in any respect but as Patron and student. We’re not friends, and you obey every single rule when you see me, do you understand?” he commands.

“What the heck, and why? You literally asked me to come here! Now you’re just gonna walk out on me without an explanation, just because I told you the truth of what happened. What is wrong with you?”

“Don’t ever talk to me like that ever again.”

Irritated, I still my anger, and with a hint of unintentional aggression, I respond. “Yes. Patron. Pesh.”

His eyes strike into mine like a dagger to his heart. He walks out, a growl lacing his departure.

I look behind the trees in the distance to notice a shadow watching us. I don’t know who that is. And honestly, I don’t care. I am too mad at Pesh. Too emotional.

I am left dazed, defeated—and utterly confused.

Walking back to the library to check on my 10 by 10 test results, I return to the welcome desk to see the librarian with my digital scantron. “Did I pass?”

“Um… unfortunately you did not. I’m sorry. Your scores were good. But no one else scored that high, so it was too uncommon a score for you to pass.”

“But you told me I had to get a hundred percent on each of them!”